Box Score DENVER – The Roadrunners began their 2024-2025 season with a 59-41 loss to Angelo State in the Region Conference Challenge at home. 
 
The Rambelles raced out a 9-1 lead to start the game and never really looked back as ASU improved to 1-0, while MSU Denver fell to 0-1. 
 
"Their (defensive) pressure really gave us problems," Head coach Tanya Haave said. "Their length and pressure really got to us. We lost our heads a little bit, especially after falling behind early." 
 
Angelo State shot 41 percent from the field and connected on seven 3-pointers to carry the lead for the entire game. Senior Madeline Stephens led the way for the visiting Rambelles scoring a game-high 13 points while pulling down nine rebounds.
 
MSU Denver shot just 24 percent from the field connecting on just 2-of-18 from beyond the arc. 
 
"We're not going to win many games shooting 24 percent," Coach Haave said. "We did not play together, especially in that second half."
 
10 different Roadrunners scored at least one point, which included 11 from sophomore Laci Roffle. Senior Jackie Pippett filled up the stat sheet scoring nine points, grabbing six rebounds, coming up with two steals and two blocks.
 
Roffle looked impressive despite shooting just 4-for-11 from the field. But she looked quick and found ways to get it to the rim.
 
"She came into the season in great shape," Coach said on the second year forward. "I loved her aggressiveness on both offense and defense. With the offense struggling, I'm looking for scorers and she is starting to make strides."
 
The Roadrunners brought a ton of energy to the defensive side of the ball, forcing ASU to turn over the ball 27 times. The team was able to score 21 points off those Rambelles miscues. 
 
"I wish we could have scored more off their 27 turnovers," Coach Haave said. "But we're going to have to keep that defensive pressure going until we figure out our offense." 
 
Up next for MSU Denver is a date with No. 2 Texas Woman's, who handled Western Colorado in game one of the preseason challenge by 19 points. The Pioneers are coming off a great 2023-2024 season, where they reached the national championship game. 
 
"We've got some things we need to work on. Nowhere to go but up," Coach Haave said.